Founded in 1897 the Goethe Schule stands proudly in Buenos Aires. It’s more than just a school. It’s a bridge between two cultures. A testament to German-Argentine collaboration.
The Goethe Schule Buenos Aires is a private school. It’s part of the Goethe School Association. This nonprofit organization is run by the parents of the students. The school receives support from the Federal Republic of Germany. It’s officially recognized as a German school abroad. It’s a cultural exchange school. It teaches and promotes the German language.
Located in Boulogne about 20 kilometers north of Buenos Aires city center the school is large. It boasts over 1500 students. These students attend kindergarten primary school and secondary school. The school even has a Humboldt Academy. This section teaches foreign languages primarily German. Adults and children take courses there outside of regular school hours.
The Goethe Schule offers a unique opportunity. Students can earn a German secondary school degree. This degree is valid in Germany. This is a significant achievement. The Central Agency for Schools Abroad ZfA determined this goal. The school’s management adapted this goal to the Argentinian context.
Students work towards the German International Baccalaureate DIA. They also have three course orientations to choose from. These options mirror the Argentinian Baccalaureate. The choice is made after the ninth grade. Students aiming for the DIA must also meet the requirements for the Argentinian Baccalaureate. Both degrees are earned after the twelfth grade. As the website states the German contribution includes modern language teaching. It emphasizes demanding subjects taught in German. It promotes German culture. Graduates are equipped to attend higher technical schools in Germany.
The school is trilingual. Classes are taught in German Spanish and English. Students earn the Deutsches Sprachdiplom DSD I and II. They also take the Cambridge Certificate to achieve international English certifications. The school is considering offering DELE certifications in Spanish. This would allow non-native Spanish speakers to certify their third language.
Goethe Schule emphasizes comprehensive education. The school instills values like respect solidarity tolerance and justice. It fosters critical thinking responsibility and independence. Academic artistic and sports training are all part of the curriculum. The bicultural identity of its students is carefully considered.
The Goethe Schule maintains close ties with Germany. Sixth-grade students visit southern Germany for a two-week children’s camp. There are exchange programs with German families. A two-week trip to Germany for twelfth-graders is also offered. The trips include university visits. Gifted students from eleventh grade can attend a study week at a TU9 university. Eleventh and twelfth-graders can participate in the Deutsche Schüler Akademie. The school hosts lectures by German university representatives students and graduates. This fosters a strong network of connections in Germany.
Goethe Schule students have several paths to German universities. Those with the German International Baccalaureate have direct access. Students with the Argentinian Baccalaureate can also study in Germany. They need to pass the DSD II exam. They should also complete the Studienkolleg. The school collaborates with the Studienkolleg in Mainz and the University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt. A year of study at an accredited Argentinian university is another option. Through the BBZ students with an Argentinian Baccalaureate can access vocational training in Argentina before continuing their studies in Germany.
The Goethe Schule’s impact is undeniable. It fosters international understanding and academic excellence. It prepares students for a global future. It’s a true beacon of bicultural education. A testament to its rich history and enduring legacy.